irritated
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
feeling slightly angry or impatient because of something or someone.
experiencing a state of mild anger, impatience, or annoyance. Often used with the prepositions 'by', 'at', or 'with'.
Simple“He became irritated when the train was delayed for the third time this week.”
In context“The manager grew increasingly irritated by the constant interruptions during the board meeting, eventually asking everyone to silence their phones.”
UsageCommonly follows 'feel', 'become', or 'get'.
PitfallI was very irritating with the loud music. I was very irritated by the loud music.Use 'irritated' to describe how you feel; use 'irritating' to describe the thing that causes the feeling.
- 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
when a part of your body is red, sore, or painful.
describing a body part or tissue that is inflamed, sensitive, or painful due to physical friction or chemical exposure.
Simple“Her eyes were red and irritated after spending all day swimming in the pool.”
In context“The patient reported that his skin became irritated and itchy shortly after he started using the new laundry detergent.”
UsageOften used to describe skin, eyes, or the throat.
“It’s like a fresh scent,” one tester said – perhaps as a result of its primary ingredient, probiotic oat, which has anti-inflammatory properties and can help calm itchy or irritated skin.”
“My earliest memories of the Notting Hill carnival are of being mildly irritated.”